The aluminium used for can production however provides great impact on durability, flexibility as well as recyclability. The primary type of aluminum used for beverage cans are 3004 for the body and 5182 for the lid. These alloys both have different mechanical properties and are therefore best suited for particular portions of the can.
The can body is made from aluminum alloy 3004, which possesses high strength and ductility, enabling the metal to be drawn into thin sheets without fracture. Dubbed ‘deep drawing’, this process is key in the creation of strong yet light can bodies. When changing cans, 3004 alloy performs 25 percent better than other best metals in studies of durability meaning it is the ideal metal for beverage pressure storage and shipping.
In contrast, the lid is generally made with 5182 aluminum alloy which gives additional strength and puncture resistance. Because the lid experience the opening forces and hold the expansion pressure, so that even this alloy is not giving away under pressure but it maintaining a very light weight parcel. According to industry data, lids made from the 5182 alloy offer as much as a 30% improvement in puncture resistance, which is critical for both product safety and consumer confidence.
Recyclepilot: Aluminum alloy types also play a role in the recyclability of cans. One of the other areas of sustainability is fully recyclable characteristic of both 3004 and 5182 alloys (1). Because aluminum is easily recycled, almost three-quarters of all aluminum ever produced exists still in use today, studies indicates. This recyclability also minimizes the ecological footprint of production, making cans an option for brands keen on sustainability.
It also influences production costs as it uses specific types of aluminum for cans. The 3004 and 5182 alloys are all optimized for rapid mass production, so they reduce costs during fabrication. The alloys are highly cost effective for bulk production with their high strength to weight ratios and ease of recycling, fulfilling eco-friendly as well as economic advantages from the perspective of manufacturer and consumer.
With various aluminum alloys, the manufacturers strengthen the can performance, safety and sustainability, all of which consumers and industries have always looking forward for a reliable eco-friendly packaging.